Thanksgiving, the Sequel: Making the Most of Leftovers

The scene:
You awaken from a long night of coma-like, turkey-induced sleep. Your heart is still warm from yesterday's idyllic family feast around the Thanksgiving turkey and trimmings. And you breathe a sigh of relief that all the hard work—planning, shopping, peeling, chopping, stuffing, stirring, baking, basting, serving, cleaning—is done.

The problem:
You hear noise from downstairs. A toilet flushes, the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator are opened and closed, your grandson is pounding on his drum... they are still here!? And they're still hungry! Ugh. You pull the covers over your head.

The solution:
Liven up your leftovers. Here is how:

Leftovers Get a Makeover

Anyone can make a turkey sandwich (not that there is anything wrong with turkey sandwiches), but with a little creativity and minimal labor, you can easily prepare "the day after" meals to rival those you served on turkey day.

In a bowl, beat eggs and pepper; set aside. In a 10-inch broiler-proof or regular skillet, sauté onion in margarine until tender. Stir in chopped vegetables and/or turkey.

Pour egg mixture into skillet over vegetables and/or meat.

Cook over medium heat.

As mixture sets, run a spatula around the edge of the skillet, lifting egg mixture to allow uncooked portions to flow underneath.

Continue cooking and lifting edges until egg mixture is almost set (surface will be moist).

Place broiler-proof skillet under the broiler 4-5 inches from the heating element.

Broil for 1-2 minutes or until the top is just set.

OR: if using a regular skillet, remove skillet from heat, cover, and let stand 3-4 minutes or until top is set.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and cut into wedges.

Serve with a slice of zucchini or pumpkin bread.

Serves 3.

Source:
Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook

Squash Pancakes

Dry ingredients:

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet ingredients:

2 cups cooked, mashed squash or sweet potatoes

Dash of vanilla extract

1 egg

Directions:

Combine dry ingredients in one bowl.

Combine wet ingredients in another bowl.

Add wet to dry and stir just until blended.

Prepare griddle or skillet by lightly greasing with butter or margarine, or spraying with cooking spray. Heat the pan over medium-high heat.

Once pan is hot, spoon ¼ cup batter onto griddle for each pancake.

When pancakes have bubbly surfaces and slightly dry edges, flip them over.

Continue to cook until pancakes are slightly golden brown.

Remove from griddle and serve with syrup.

Source:
Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook

Lunch

Apricot-nut Turkey-salad Sandwich

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups shredded cooked turkey breast

1/4 cup thinly sliced celery

1/4 cup light mayonnaise

2 tablespoons chopped unsalted cashews

2 tablespoons chopped dried apricots

2 tablespoons chopped green onions

2 tablespoons raisins

2 tablespoons plain low-fat yogurt

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

4 leaf lettuce leaves

8 slices pumpernickel bread

Directions:

Combine first 10 ingredients in a bowl.

Place a lettuce leaf on each of 4 bread slices.

Spread 1/2 cup turkey salad over lettuce.

Top with remaining bread slices.

Makes 4 sandwiches.

Source:
Cookinglight.com

The Spruced-up Turkey Sandwich

Pull the Tupperware out of the fridge and set up the leftovers buffet-style, along with pita bread and tortillas. Have each person stuff their own pita or roll their own tortilla with any combination of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, leftover vegetables, and whatever else strikes their fancy. Stick the sandwiches in the oven for a few moments to warm them before serving.

The Anything-goes Entrée Salad

Start with a big bowl half-full of lettuce. Add any of the following, toss with your favorite light dressing, and enjoy with bread or rolls leftover from dinner.

The scene:
The kids and grandkids are all packed in their cars and on their way home. As you prepare to settle into the couch to relax, you notice a few hunger pangs, so you head into the kitchen.

The problem:
There are no more leftovers!

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.